Email is not the simple exchange of text messages. Email is the electronic version of the interoffice mail system used for formal letter or memo communication.

In this quote, Shiva Ayyadurai emphasizes that email should not be viewed merely as a quick or casual way of exchanging text messages. Instead, he draws a parallel between email and traditional interoffice mail systems, which were used for formal communications like letters or memos. Ayyadurai's point is that email serves a more professional and structured purpose than it is often credited for in today’s digital communication landscape.

Ayyadurai suggests that email is a tool designed for formal communication, just like the letter or memo systems that were commonly used within organizations before digital technologies became widespread. This highlights that email, despite being more immediate than traditional mail, still carries the weight and purpose of professional correspondence. It is a medium that often conveys important information, decisions, or directives within a business or formal setting.

By emphasizing the formal nature of email, Ayyadurai also points out that it should be treated with the same level of seriousness and care as any physical communication within an organization. He suggests that people should be mindful of the tone and structure of their emails, recognizing their potential impact and role in professional settings. This contrasts with the more casual, conversational use of email that has become common in informal contexts.

Ultimately, Ayyadurai’s quote serves as a reminder that email is not just a casual or informal tool for quick exchanges. It is a formal communication device that plays a significant role in how information is shared in the professional world. This perspective encourages people to approach email with the same professionalism and attention to detail as traditional business correspondence.